4 page spread in a chinese magazine

I recieved an email through FLICKR a few months ago. The email was from someone claiming to be the editor of a chinese lifestyle magazine and was asking for free photos. I deleted the email and ruled it out as a fake from someone trying to score
free photos. The emailer supplied no link to a website or other information so I figured it was fake.

A few weeks later I recieved the same email to my proper email account. I did a bit of googling and realized I was talking to the editor of one of China's biggest lifestyle magazines "TECHMAG".

I now have a four page spread and interview - the PDF of the final mag arrived today. It looks great!!!

The editor said upfront that it was free and they would not pay for photos. They do not have webrights to the images. One time rights for the publication. I figured it was still a great deal for me due to the print number (im becoming slightly obbessed with print numbers). Basically it was just free advertising fo me.

The editor said upfront that it was free and they would not pay for photos. They do not have webrights to the images. One time rights for the publication. I figured it was still a great deal for me due to the print number (im becoming slightly obbessed with print numbers). Basically it was just free advertising fo me.

There is much debate about the benefits of giving images away to magazines. I do no do so for one reason; If its worth publishing, it's worth paying for. The magazine needs unique, fresh content to keep the readers coming back and only by having a high circulation can they maintain their advertising rates and keep their shareholder dividend flowing. If the creative involved in driving magazine sales is unrewarded then is this morally acceptable? Not in my world. You can bet your last buck that the editor did not work for free.......

There is more I could write, but most of it was covered in UWP mag this month - see www.uwpmag.com for the download.

Cal - your work is worth MUCH more than free. I am not surprised that the editor contacted you twice.....but I am surprised you gave it away for nothing. When a magazine runs a feature of mine, or indeed anyone who charges, we get a free advert AND money. And there are editors who pay, but they do not need to ask for free images. Those who what/need the money beat a path to their door.

If you are serious about the business of photography (or indeed any business) forget the print numbers and think about the bank account.

Please take this posting in good spirit. It is after all your work and you are at liberty to do with it as you see fit.

I appreciate that. I'm still in the twilight zone where I get a bit of interest in my work but not enough that I can dismiss a client and not worry about it. I probably should have asked for some form of compensation but I guess its just getting the confidence up to ask without worrying about losing the deal.

I appreciate that. I'm still in the twilight zone where I get a bit of interest in my work but not enough that I can dismiss a client and not worry about it. I probably should have asked for some form of compensation but I guess its just getting the confidence up to ask without worrying about losing the deal.

Cheers

Cal

The first step to being a Pro is to act and think like one.....the images you create - and they are stunning - actually have zero dollar value to you. By this I mean you can't fill up your car or buy food directly with them, not in my world anyway. But to the client, publisher, newspaper, ad agency or whatever your images have a massive benefit and true dollar value - this is where images get converted to a medium the petrol station and supermarket understands and trades with.

Trust me, you are not in the twilight zone. Even if you were, the client must pay. From day one I charged and made sure the invoices were settled. Sure, I made mistakes - everyone does - but the rule of "never for free" has, with a very very very few exceptions, ensured cashflow has remained positive.

Ignore anyone who says "great for your profile" or "we pay next time". Refuse to deal with anyone who wants your work for free. I do get cheap or free requests and it feels great to turn them down. Be confident Cal, your work has higher value than nothing and remember you won't win every deal if you charge. Be prepared to lose some "clients" if they baulk at paying. Truth is, they are only clients when they respect your endeavors and pay cash like the rest of the planet.